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“Tayo na sa Antipolo!” [Let’s Go to Antipolo!]

Antipolo is a city in the Philippines located in the province of Rizal; about 25 kms. east of Manila.

The city was named after the tipolo (breadfruit) tree (Artocarpus incisa), which was in abundance in the area.

The city is popular for being a pilgrimage site. It prides itself as the “Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines.”

You will find many religious items for sale near the Antipolo Church.

The Marian image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or the Virgin of Antipolo, which was brought in from Mexico in 1626, and enshrined in the Antipolo Cathedral has a continuous following among Filipino Catholics since the Spanish era.

A popular custom of pilgrims to the Virgin of Antipolo is the trek going to its shrine on the eves of Good Friday and May 1, from various locations in Rizal Province and Metro Manila.

Some pilgrims would begin the trek from Quiapo Church in Downtown Manila following the procession of the image.

There is also an existing custom to have new vehicles blessed at the church in the belief that this will ensure the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

We are here today to get a new motorcycle get blessed. You will have to make a donation at the church office and a priest will come to your vehicle at the parking lot. All the riders with us will stand as Godfathers to the newly blessed or [newly baptized] motorcycle. A celebration will come soon after.

Its higher elevation than that of Metro Manila provides a scenic view of the metropolis, especially at night.

Its locally grown mangoes and cashews are popular among tourists, as well as suman – a local delicacy made out of glutinous rice. [information from Wiki]